At Least 5 People Killed In Severe Storms In The USA

At least five people have died as a result of severe weather throughout the South and Central US.

Over the weekend, a storm that covered from Texas to Canada’s maritime provinces spawned thunderstorms, flooding, and at least one tornado, according to the Associated Press. The National Weather Service confirmed that three tornadoes hit Kentucky Saturday night in Hopkinsville, Logan County, and Warren County.

A 79-year-old woman, Dallas Jane Combs, died when she was hit by debris in her southwestern Kentucky home, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office said. Combs’ husband was also injured when he was blown into the home’s basement while attempting to prevent rain from getting inside.

Two Kentucky men also died when each of their cars were submerged in ditch filled with floodwaters. One died in Simpson County and the other in Union County. The body of a man, 48, was also discovered in Michigan floodwaters caused by heavy rainfall, as well as melting snow, Kalamazoo Public Safety Lt. David Thomas announced on Sunday. In Arkansas, an 83-year-old man died after his trailer was toppled by high winds.

Structures, including barns and grain bins, were damaged in the storm. In Robertson County, on the other side of the border with Tennessee, there were reports of overturned vehicles, windows blown out, and fallen trees. Power outages, fallen power poles and flooded roads were reported in the county.

Ohio Governor John Kasich issued an emergency declaration for 17 counties – along the Ohio River and in southern Ohio – "due to dangerous conditions resulting from severe storms and heavy rain."

"I urge people to stay safe by staying informed, not taking any chances and checking in on your neighbors, especially seniors and families with young kids," Kasich said in a press release.